Don’t call it a tribute
Randy Bachman reimagines Harrison on upcoming album
Randy Bachman’s immeasurable admiration for George Harrison will be reflected in a project marking what would have been the Beatles guitarist’s 75th birthday. Takin’ Care of Business singer-songwriter Bachman plans to drop a new album and launch an extensive Canadian tour at the end of the month sharing the musician’s name.
By George — By Bachman reimagines songs Harrison wrote throughout his career, including his solo efforts and contributions to the Beatles and the supergroup Traveling Wilburys. Bachman says he endeavoured to strike different tones with each Harrison song, slowing down the upbeat tracks or changing the key a song was performed in. Here Comes the Sun, which landed Friday on streaming services, is a curveball of sorts when compared to the original Beatles song. It’s performed with a laid-back reggae vibe and growling electric guitars.
The album will be released on March 2.
“This is not a tribute album where I copy him and the Beatles. Nobody can outdo how the Beatles did Something or Taxman.”
Initially envisioned as eight tracks, Bachman said others urged him to keep producing more covers, layering in hidden “Easter eggs” for Harrison fans, like his signature licks buried in the mix. The album wound up being 13 tracks, including bookends Bachman wrote to tie the concept together.
By George — By Bachman begins rolling out with a concert at the B.B. King Blues Club in New York on Feb. 24 — the eve of what would’ve been Harrison’s 75th birthday.